Valid points abound in the article, all of which are in lockstep with what has been uttered on this website and elsewhere. Here’s one choice tidbit referring to the front office’s pledge of support for Tokyo’s beloved number 88:

“To have to give Takada a vote of confidence at this point — 45 games into a 144-game season — is to basically admit he’s not getting the job done.”

All of this is, of course, ignoring the fact, temporarily at least, that there’s no new-age manager with a proven track record currently available (or affordable enough) to take over, but many will agree that any manager who simply lets the players play can help lead this team out of sixth place in the Central.

More from the team on this point:

“Forcing people out of jobs is not the Yakult group’s business structure,” [team president] Suzuki told Kyodo News last week. “We want him [Takada] to serve out the [last year of his three-year] term.”

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Christopher is a budding sabermetrician and long-time supporter of Tokyo's more lovable team, the Swallows. He has publicly volunteered, several times, that he plans to buy the team at some point in the future. When he finally runs the joint, it is likely that he will fine any player who swings at the first pitch or sac bunts (unless it's a pitcher, of course). Follow him on Twitter: @chrispellegrini